meeting

Paphos Chamber alarmed by delays in €75 million Paphos-Polis road

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Paphos Chamber alarmed by delays in €75 million Paphos-Polis road

The Paphos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is deeply concerned about delays in the Paphos-Polis Chrysochous road construction project, currently only 30% complete with a requested 33-month extension. The Chamber is urgently seeking a resolution to prevent further setbacks in this vital €75 million project. They are proposing to divide the second phase into two sections to expedite construction. The Minister of Transport has assured that all possibilities will be examined to keep the project moving forward.

CMC call for meeting on , ‘neutral territory’ in Vasiliko spat

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CMC call for meeting on , ‘neutral territory’ in Vasiliko spat

– Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) called for a meeting with a “decision maker” appointed by the Cypriot government in a “neutral territory” such as Dubai.
– The situation at the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko has reached a crisis point.
– CMC has offered a comprehensive solution to de-escalate the situation and save the project.
– Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides is set to meet with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao to discuss the impasse.
– Etyfa has persistently breached payment obligations under the contract for the Vasiliko LNG facility.
– CMC suspended work in January as an “absolute last resort” due to payment issues but lifted the suspension in March on assurances from Etyfa.
– Etyfa has made changes to the project and has refused to pay for them, including refusing to take delivery of the completed FSRU.

Schools in Cyprus to mark Pontian Greek genocide

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Schools in Cyprus to mark Pontian Greek genocide

Starting this academic year, schools across Cyprus will commemorate May 19 every year to pay respects to victims of the Pontian Greek genocide. The government has recognized the Pontian Genocide and condemned genocides and ethnic cleansing. The education ministry has officially informed schools about the genocide and May 19 will be established as an official day of honor for the victims. The government has also supported the Pontians in acquiring a building for cultural preservation.

CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

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CPP case: the Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the Presidential Palace on Monday

The Cyprus-China relations are being tested due to a dispute over a gas regasification terminal project in Vasilikos. The Chinese state-owned company CPP is reluctant to complete the project, demanding additional financial compensation of EUR 200 million. The Cypriot side argues that CPP’s objections to the contract terms are either in bad faith or due to financial inability. The collapse of cooperation with CPP would result in significant financial costs for Cyprus and delay the introduction of natural gas for cheaper electricity generation. The situation is further complicated by the fact that a floating gas regasification unit remains in Shanghai due to berthing modifications required by Lloyd’s Register. If the terminal project is frozen, Cyprus may face significant financial consequences, with responsibility shared between the Cypriot government and the Chinese state-owned company CPP.

Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

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Turkish scenario takes Holguin and the UN out of the Cyprus issue equation

Occupying Turkey is preparing moves following the end of the mission of the UN Secretary General’s envoy on the Cyprus problem. Ankara and its representative in the occupied territories are planning action if a deadlock is established. They aim to change the basis of the Cyprus problem, impose their agenda, and reach a “cooperation agreement” between the two entities. Turkey is pressuring the United Nations to negotiate a separate agreement, but the UN has deemed this illegal. The occupation forces are causing minor crises within the buffer zone to assert control over the area.

Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

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Why the American-Anglo-Canadian plan of 1978 failed

The Soviet Union influenced Akel to reject a solution plan proposed by the US, UK, and Canada for the Cyprus problem in 1976. The Soviet Union did not want the Cyprus problem to be solved by a US initiative, as it would strengthen the US’s prestige in the region and maintain tension in Greece-Turkey relations.

UAE corporate tax: Maximise benefits by enjoying exemptions and opting reliefs

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UAE corporate tax: Maximise benefits by enjoying exemptions and opting reliefs

Certain resident juridical persons, such as government entities, government-controlled entities, businesses engaged in natural resource extraction, those involved in non-extractive natural resource businesses, and natural persons with business revenue below Dh1 million in a Gregorian calendar year, are exempt from corporate tax.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

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Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong

– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.

President for Vasilikos: The state cannot be blackmailed; there is a plan B but I don’t want to get to that point

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President for Vasilikos: The state cannot be blackmailed; there is a plan B but I don’t want to get to that point

President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the company and various EU and non-EU member states to create prospects for the resumption of talks. The Vasilikos terminal project has three phases, with progress varying in each. The President will meet with the Ambassador of China to discuss the project, emphasizing the need for solutions to be found with goodwill. A plan B exists, but the government intends to proceed with the contract obligations.

Anger, anxiety, acrimony: Slovaks weigh what led to Fico shooting

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Anger, anxiety, acrimony: Slovaks weigh what led to Fico shooting

Slovak opposition party leader Michal Simecka, his wife, and child received death threats following an assassination attempt on Prime Minister Robert Fico. The shooting highlighted deep political divides and toxic debate in Slovakia, with politicians calling for tolerance. Fico’s rapid policy changes raised concerns over the rule of law, leading to increased tensions and anxiety among the population. The suspect in the shooting targeted government policies on Ukraine, corruption, and public media reforms. Anxiety has grown in Slovakia since the parliamentary election campaign, with President Zuzana Caputova receiving death threats. The upcoming European elections have added to the unease, reflecting a global trend of increasing aggression in politics.